Moore's proposal on Longboat ballot in March

The proposal that would allow housing to replace Moore's Stone Crab Restaurant will be decided by Longboat Key voters in their March election.

It's a "just in case" proposal, say Longboat officials. It would allow additional density, but not much - four units per acre, and Moore's occupies somewhat less than an acre. The town figures it would make room for three residential units.

Not that it would permit it under the terms of the proposed change. That would only clear the way for Allen Moore to seek approval for such construction if he decides to abandon the restaurant and go to residential development sometime in the future.

The proposal is specific to Moore's property, affecting no others on the key.

It will be on the ballot for the Longboat general election March 14, when voters will elect town commissioners as well as vote on Moore's request.

Moore's is a decades-old landmark on the north end of the key, its forerunner established by Allen's grandfather and brought to its present dominance of the seafood restaurant business by his father Pete. Allen's mother and brother also are involved in the business.

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